Pruritis and Small Fiber Neuropathy
Chronic pruritis (itching sensation) is associated with a number of medical conditions including several neuropathic illnesses.1 Among those illnesses, small fiber neuropathy (SFN) can cause neuropathic itching. Patients with SFN commonly report pruritis as a leading symptom.2
Pereira et al. report on the diagnostic value of Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) in the management of chronic pruritis. The authors discuss the importance of investigating the underlying cause of the condition:
“An early diagnosis of a neuropathy as the underlying cause of pruritus is essential for the treatment success. Current guidelines recommend the treatment of the underlying cause or, if not possible, the application of topical capsaicin or the systemic use of anticonvulsants or antidepressants.” 3
Other causes of neuropathic pruritis include nerve lesions, radiculopathy, spinal cord damage, and brain lesions.4 Due to the wide range of conditions associated with neuropathic pruritis, ENFD can be a valuable tool in patient evaluation.
Chronic pruritis can lead to skin changes and injuries from scratching. This self injury can be exacerbated in patients with neuropathic sensory loss that allows for scratching without pain.
- Twycross R, Greaves M, Handwerker H, et al. Itch: scratching more than the surface. QJM. 2003;96(1):7-26. [PubMed]
- Brenaut E, Marcorelles P, Genestet S, Ménard D, Misery L. Pruritus: an underrecognized symptom of small-fiber neuropathies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;72(2):328-332. [PubMed]
- Pereira M, Mühl S, Pogatzki-Zahn E, Agelopoulos K, Ständer S. Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Density: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Relevance in the Management of Chronic Pruritus: a Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016;6(4):509-517. [PMC]
- Oaklander A. Neuropathic Itch. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2011;30(2):87-92. [PMC]
Related Articles
Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Test – Biopsy Sites
therapath2022-09-05T19:02:43-05:00
Therapath has established five standard biopsy sites for Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) and Sweat Gland Nerve Fiber Density (SGNFD). [Read More]
Abstract: Associated Conditions in Small Fiber Neuropathy
therapath2022-09-05T19:01:46-05:00
De Greef et al. studied 921 patients with confirmed small fiber neuropathy in order to investigate the prevalence of associated conditions in SFN patients. [Read More]
Abstract: Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy in Children
therapath2022-09-05T17:30:24-05:00
Balushi, Kim, Krause, and Kafie looked at idiopathic small fiber neuropathy findings in children who had small fiber neuropathy confirmed by history, clinical exam, and low intraepidermal nerve fiber density. [Read More]
Abstract: Prediabetes and Small Fiber Neuropathy
therapath2022-09-05T17:45:25-05:00
Thaisetthawatkul, Fernandes, and Herrmann looked at the connection between prediabetes and small fiber neuropathy. [Read More]
Pruritis and Small Fiber Neuropathy
Chronic pruritis (itching sensation) is associated with a number of medical conditions including several neuropathic illnesses.1 Among those illnesses, small fiber neuropathy (SFN) can cause neuropathic itching. Patients with SFN commonly report pruritis as a leading symptom.2
Pereira et al. report on the diagnostic value of Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) in the management of chronic pruritis. The authors discuss the importance of investigating the underlying cause of the condition:
“An early diagnosis of a neuropathy as the underlying cause of pruritus is essential for the treatment success. Current guidelines recommend the treatment of the underlying cause or, if not possible, the application of topical capsaicin or the systemic use of anticonvulsants or antidepressants.” 3
Other causes of neuropathic pruritis include nerve lesions, radiculopathy, spinal cord damage, and brain lesions.4 Due to the wide range of conditions associated with neuropathic pruritis, ENFD can be a valuable tool in patient evaluation.
Chronic pruritis can lead to skin changes and injuries from scratching. This self injury can be exacerbated in patients with neuropathic sensory loss that allows for scratching without pain.
- Twycross R, Greaves M, Handwerker H, et al. Itch: scratching more than the surface. QJM. 2003;96(1):7-26. [PubMed]
- Brenaut E, Marcorelles P, Genestet S, Ménard D, Misery L. Pruritus: an underrecognized symptom of small-fiber neuropathies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;72(2):328-332. [PubMed]
- Pereira M, Mühl S, Pogatzki-Zahn E, Agelopoulos K, Ständer S. Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Density: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Relevance in the Management of Chronic Pruritus: a Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016;6(4):509-517. [PMC]
- Oaklander A. Neuropathic Itch. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2011;30(2):87-92. [PMC]
Related Articles
Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Test – Biopsy Sites
therapath2022-09-05T19:02:43-05:00
Therapath has established five standard biopsy sites for Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) and Sweat Gland Nerve Fiber Density (SGNFD). [Read More]
Abstract: Associated Conditions in Small Fiber Neuropathy
therapath2022-09-05T19:01:46-05:00
De Greef et al. studied 921 patients with confirmed small fiber neuropathy in order to investigate the prevalence of associated conditions in SFN patients. [Read More]
Abstract: Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy in Children
therapath2022-09-05T17:30:24-05:00
Balushi, Kim, Krause, and Kafie looked at idiopathic small fiber neuropathy findings in children who had small fiber neuropathy confirmed by history, clinical exam, and low intraepidermal nerve fiber density. [Read More]
Abstract: Prediabetes and Small Fiber Neuropathy
therapath2022-09-05T17:45:25-05:00
Thaisetthawatkul, Fernandes, and Herrmann looked at the connection between prediabetes and small fiber neuropathy. [Read More]